IJC Visits River Institute

Members of the International Joint Commission (IJC) recently visited the River Institute to meet with Staff and Board Members. Pictured from left to right are: Brian Hickey (RI), Jeff Ridal (RI), Joel Weiner (IJC, Ottawa), Kay Auston (IJC, Washington), Mayor Phil Poirier, Bill Knight (RI), Elaine Kennedy (RI), Bruce Kirschner (IJC, Windsor).

From the IJC website:

The International Joint Commission is an independent binational organization established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. Its purpose is to help prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of boundary waters and to advise Canada and the United States on related questions.

New Staff: Education Programs Coordinator

Jordan Ann Kevan, who has recently graduated from McGill University with an Applied M.Sc. in Bioresource Engineering, has been hired as the Institute’s Education Programs Coordinator. Her job includes working with teachers, board representatives and scientific staff at the Institute to market, co-ordinate and deliver environmental education programs in French and in English. Contact Jordan at jkevan@riverinstitute.ca

Education: Environmental Technician Field Course

Dr. Brian Hickey has just wrapped up teaching the Environmental Sampling & Analysis 2-week field course offered to 1st year Environmental Technician students of St Lawrence College. The course focused on learning about sampling and analysis techniques used for plants and animals.

River Institute Education Programs

The spring season of school group educational programs is now in full swing! Programs for elementary and secondary schools are offered at Cooper Marsh, the River Institute, or in schools, depending on program needs. Students are getting a hands-on opportunity to learn about the frog life cycle, pond life, wildlife identification and have even been able to participate in activities related to the River Institute’s Project SMART (Sources of Mercury Accumulating in Rivers and Tributaries). June looks to be especially busy with many school groups booked for programs.